Best Gear of SHOT Show 2026 [Optics, Accessories & Gear]
We run through our favorite gear, accessories, optics, and ammo at SHOT Show 2026. Come see what we liked!
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While some go to SHOT Show for fun, Pew Pew Tactical's team puts its nose to the ground and grinds. We search through 13.9 miles of aisles to find the best guns and gear.
Today, we're going to talk about the gear that caught our eye at SHOT Show 2026!
So, keep reading!
Best Gear of SHOT Show 2026
1. EOTECH Vudu 4-12x36 & EXPS3 HD
EOTECH Vudu 4-12x36 Specs
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 36 mm
- Reticle: MD5, MR5 (MRAD)
- Focal Plane: FFP
- Battery: CR2032
- Length: 7.1”
- Weight: 17 oz
- Country of Origin: Japan
- MSRP: $1,219
Move over, LPVOs, because the all-new EOTECH Vudu 4-12x36 offers more magnification in a smaller optic.
This little powerhouse offers big-time precision potential, with your choice of two first-focal-plane technical reticles: EOTECH’s MD5 and MR5.
The MD5 looks like a conventional precision reticle. There are illuminated vertical and horizontal crosshairs with stadia in milliradians, and a tree of wind holds.
The MR5 is focused more on close engagements, with an illuminated segmented circle that works similarly to a red dot at minimum magnification. You’ll still get a wind-hold tree for longer shots.
Both feature ten brightness levels with an off position between each setting.
Installing this optic with the ACOG-style base should be a breeze. It bolts directly to a Picatinny rail instead of using rings or a cantilever mount.
Because this is one of EOTECH’s Japanese-made optics, the MSRP is surprisingly affordable: $1,219.
Pair it with a compact red dot, and you’ve got a super-capable optic system that can tackle everything from CQB to longer engagements.
EOTECH HWS EXPS3 HD Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: N/A
- Reticle: 1-Dot Speed Ring
- Battery: CR123A
- Dimensions: 3.54” x 2.23” x 2.72”
- Weight: 12 oz
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $999
How do you improve an already awesome optic like EOTECH’s holographic weapon sights? Not by reinventing the wheel, but by trimming around the edges. That’s exactly what happened with the new Eotech HWS EXPS3 HD.
You’ll notice that this optic doesn’t have the telltale protective hood. Instead, the all-aluminum housing keeps a slimmer profile to increase situational awareness – even if it’s slight (hey, marginal improvements are still improvements).
The familiar holographic reticle provides a 1-MOA dot and a 68-MOA ring. Zero it with 0.5-MOA adjustments that are more refined than what you get from the 1-MOA-per-click turrets on most red dots.
Take control of brightness with seven daytime settings and four night-vision-compatible settings on a side-mounted dial, or let the automatic setting and shake-awake handle everything for you.
2. Garmin Xero C2 & Xero L60i
Garmin Xero C2 Specs
- Maximum Velocity: 5,000 fps
- Maximum Cadence: 10 shots per second (rifle), 3 shots per second (pistol)
- App: Garmin ShotView
- Display: Sunlight-visible, transflective, monochrome
- Display Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
- Dimensions: 3.03” x 2.38” x 1.36”
- Battery: Internal rechargeable
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Weight: 4 oz
- MSRP: $699.99
For 2026, Garmin expanded its chronograph family with the Garmin Xero C2. This successor to the Xero C1 Pro looks familiar, but offers a step up in capability.
As before, it can clock velocities from 100 to 5,000 feet per second and display data in real time on the screen.
Now, it’s faster. The Xero C2 can record up to ten shots per second. It sends data to the ShotView app and compatible Garmin devices with Applied Ballistics software in real time. You can also pause and resume sessions.
The Xero C1 Pro already created a new standard for user-friendly chronographs, and being able to control the Xero C2 from your smartwatch without even getting off the rifle is another step forward.
The Xero C2 has an MSRP of $699.99, while the Xero C1 Pro takes a welcome price cut from $599.99 to $499.99.
Garmin Xero L60i Specs
- Magnification: 7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Maximum Range: 7,500 yds, 4,000 yds (trees), 3,000 yds (animals)
- Display: DLP augmented reality
- Display Resolution: 960 x 540
- Dimensions: 4.94” x 3.53” x 1.99”
- Battery: 2 x AAA
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Weight: 14 oz (with batteries)
- MSRP: $2,499.99
Oh boy. Where do I start with this one? Simply put, the Garmin Xero L60i is the most incredible technology we saw at SHOT Show 2026.
Garmin’s first rangefinder features an excellent optical system, top-notch glass, seven-power magnification, and intuitive ergonomics.
The real magic happens after you range a target, though.
Because the Xero L60i has a suite of onboard sensors, it knows exactly where you are and identifies your target’s position as a waypoint in the rangefinder itself, the Garmin Explore app, and compatible Garmin devices.
If you hand the rangefinder off to a buddy or move to a new position, it will walk you back onto the target with visual cues and mark its position in the digital overlay display in the viewfinder.
The laser has a maximum effective range of 7,500 yards on highly reflective targets or 3,000 yards on animals, but you have options when it comes to ranging terrain features.
Remember, the Xero L60i knows your position on the map, thanks to GPS sensors. A built-in compass and inclinometer know precisely where you’re pointing it. Garmin’s topographical maps know the earth’s surface like you know the back of your hand.
By putting all that together, the Xero L60i can figure out where your line of sight intersects with the first terrain feature in its path up to several miles away.
This is about as close to putting actual witchcraft in your bino harness as you can get.
3. Noxon Anark
Specs
- Maximum Power: 1,000 lumens
- Maximum Intensity: 18,000 candela
- Modes: Low, high
- Battery: Internal rechargeable (USB-C)
- MSRP: $135
Have you heard of Noxon? It’s the more affordable branch of the Modlite family tree. Think of it as the Epiphone to Gibson, or Squier to Fender. The Noxon Anark is a new EDC flashlight for 2026.
Two buttons split low and high modes. Hold the Anark like a conventional flashlight to reach the forward button for 80 lumens and 1,000 candela. Switch to a more tactical grip and use the tailpiece button to dial up 1,000 lumens and 18,000 candela.
Both feature constant- and momentary-on functions.
Another handy feature is the reversible pocket clip. In the light-up configuration, you can clip it to a hat brim to go hands-free.
4. Silent Steel USA Streamer
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm, 5.56, 7.62
- Material: Stainless steel
- Construction: User-serviceable can and filter assembly
- Mount: Direct thread, HUB, QD
- Dimensions: 7.6” long x 1.6” diameter
- Weight: 17 oz
- Country of Origin: USA
- MSRP: $1,499
In case you missed it, 2026 is the year of the suppressor. The death of the ATF’s $200 tax stamp kicked off a suppressor-buying frenzy, and everybody wants in on the action. One that stood out from the sea of 3D-printed cans at SHOT Show 2026 was the Silent Steel Streamer.
This suppressor prioritizes toughness over weight reduction. The secret sauce is a stainless steel turbine and filter that screws into the outer housing to slow down gas and knock down volume.
The idea is to make the suppressor user-serviceable. You can pull apart the heavy-duty components, visually and physically inspect the filter, and get it sparkling clean before your next range day.
There are three lengths available: the 7.6-inch Streamer, 5.9-inch Compact Streamer, and 4.25-inch Micro Streamer.
Each comes in 9mm, 5.56, and 7.62 versions and black, green, or tan.
Silent Steel is new to the U.S., where these are made, but the Finnish brand is a household name in Europe. Keep a close eye on these guys as they expand into the U.S. market.
7. 5.11 Tactical
A stop in 5.11's booth yielded a couple of packs we're excited about. The first is the LVC12.
This low-profile style pack measures 19"H x 11"W x 7.5"D and has a 1281 cubic inch capacity. It weighs in at 2.84 pounds and comes with plenty of internal space to pack your stuff. An ambi side-entry CCW pocket can stow a gun and holster, a fleece-lined top pocket houses sunglasses or other small essentials, a laptop compartment keeps your tech gear safe, and the main compartment is roomy enough to pack some clothes for an overnight.
You also get some choices in terms of colors, with everything from garnet (a pretty burgundy) to moonlight (a light blue) and even a traditional tactical black. MSRP is $160.
In addition to the LVC12, 5.11 Tactical also premiered the new Skyweight Survival Plus Chest Pack.
The Skyweight is designed for carriers who want their gun close but can't carry in a more traditional sense. Perfect for hikers on the go, the Skyweight features an expanded carry pocket with a hook and loop for holster attachment.
We really liked the built-in water bottle carry under the pack that keeps your water nearby but out of the way of your arms. MSRP is $85.
8. Holosun
The guys at Holosun had several new optics on display. So here's the quick and dirty rundown of a couple of our favorite things.
AEMS-EVO & AEMS-EVO Dual
The AEMS-EVO works off the previous AEMS platform but dials things up a notch. Specifically, the EVO series makes the AEMS a little bigger with a 1.26" x 0.98" window. What does this mean for you? Roughly a 29% larger window than the standard AEMS.
Holosun says these models get run up to 100,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery. Reticles will be available in the standard red and green, with Holosun adding gold as an option. Gold is for our color-blind friends out there!
Meanwhile, the AEMS-EVO Dual takes the AEMS-EVO above and adds a visible green laser and infrared aiming laser...hence the dual name.
507 PROMAX & 507C-X3
The 507 series is seeing some new models -- specifically the. 507C-X3 and 507 PROMAX.
The 507C-X3 builds on the popular 507C platform with some more upgrades. It works alongside RMR footprints, like other models, and has a 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA outer circle. The cool thing is you can now get it in green, red, or gold reticles.
9. Eberlestock Fade Flex Micro
Specs
- Dimensions: 8.5” x 5” x 2”
- Material: 210D nylon
- Colors: Black, olive, steel
- Weight: 9 oz
- MSRP: $69
Have you added an off-body carry bag to your CCW routine? The Eberlestock Fade Flex is a versatile option, and there’s a smaller version for 2026.
The Fade Flex Micro is a more manageable size, which should make it more comfortable to wear as a fanny pack. It’ll also fly under the radar a little better; the original is pretty large.
The CCW compartment will hold smaller pistols like the Sig Sauer P365 or Springfield Hellcat.
As with the full-size Flex, this one uses a belt that adjusts inside the pack and keeps loose ends tucked away. The administrative compartment keeps EDC gear organized and separate from your pistol.
There are three colors of lightweight, durable 210D ripstop nylon available.
10. Nightforce Optics NX6
Specs
- Focal Plane: First and Second Focal Plane options available
- Magnification: 1-6x up to 6-36x
- Overall Length: 10.2" - 15.3"
- Weight: 18.9oz - 31.4oz
- Body Tube Diameter: 30mm & 34mm
- Elevation: FieldSet
- MSRP: Starts around $1,800
Though Nightforce announced the new NX6 scope lineup prior to SHOT Show, it was on our list of things to check out.
The NX6 is a series of riflescopes that prioritize a lightweight design and an easy-to-use approach.
Six total models round out the NX6 series, including:
- 1-6x24mm First & Second Focal Plane
- 2-12x42mm First & Second Focal Plane
- 3-18x50mm First & Second Focal Plane
- 4-24x50mm Second Focal Plane
- 5-30x56mm First Focal Plane
- 6-36x56mm First & Second Focal Plane
Every model uses Nightforce's FieldSet turret system, which allows you to dial and stop the position and then quickly reset it using a tool. It also comes with a capped configuration as well that converts to an exposed dial.
You can also swap the exposed dials for BDC (bullet drop compensating) dials that are custom-engraved to your ballistic info -- fancy.
Reticles on these bad boys include the 4A-i, FVR-1, and MOA-C (designed for hunters), FC-6c (multi-gun), and FC-MRx (long distance).
Final Thoughts
Stay tuned for reviews and more with gear from SHOT Show this coming year!
What was your favorite pick from SHOT? Let us know below! Need more SHOT Show goodness? We got it over at the Best Guns of SHOT Show 2026.
Latest Updates
- January 2026: Full rewrite based on new gear at SHOT Show 2026
- January 2025: Full rewrite based on new gear at SHOT Show 2025
- January 2024: Full rewrite based on new gear at SHOT Show 2024